Us ambassador calls economic crisis ‘Major Problem of Pakistan’

Karachi: US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, emphasized the economic crisis as a significant issue for Pakistan and expressed the desire for the country's success in its revival program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

During an interactive session on "US-Pakistan Relations: Present and Future," organized by the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations, Ambassador Blome clarified that the IMF is an autonomous body operating within its policy framework.

He further stated that the United States wants to see Pakistan make progress and aims to avoid diplomatic isolation from any country.

The ambassador's remarks followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent request for the release of a $1.1 billion tranche from the IMF, which has been pending since November last year.

Pakistan's $6.5 billion loan program is approaching its scheduled expiry at the end of June.

Ambassador Blome affirmed the United States' commitment to supporting Pakistan, citing trade relations with China and the assistance provided to tackle the devastating effects of last year's floods.

He emphasized the importance of Pakistan's resilience to climate change and expressed hopes for a better future for the Pakistani people.